Andrew Wight (1960 – 2012) was an Australian underwater explorer and film producer. Sanctum 3D blockbuster was made by his company Great Wight Productions and involved work and input of many of his diving friends, sharing similar experiences from the underwater adventures. He produced and participated in over 40 documentaries and films like Nullarbor Dreaming, Ghosts of the Abyss, Bismarck or Aliens of the Deep.
He was awarded for his cinematographic and TV work many times, and received the honors from Australian Geographic Society. Together with the famous film maker Mike deGruy, they have been touched by well known to them sanctum...
Andrew was a great advocate of Agnes' life and spoke fondly about her passion for exploration. She knew both of them.
Lately Andrew wrote about Agnes in these words, quote:
"I was formerly a Cave Diving Association of Australia examiner and have been cave diving for over 30 years. I dived with Agnes in caves around Mt Gambier, South Australia, and I was struck by the great enthusiasm with which she approached life in general, and diving in particular. She had a truly adventurous spirit and made great contributions to the recognition of women cave divers in Australia and around the world. She was a true explorer.
In 2010 Agnes was employed on the set of my feature film, Sanctum, as cave dive instructor to actors and also as a dive double for the two female lead roles. Agnes was a highly qualified cave diver who brought a wealth of experience to all on the film. Her communication and training skills meant that the actors were able to comfortably act as cave divers within a relatively short time, and her attention to detail created a safe working environment and a high degree of fidelity in the actors’ performances.
The untimely death of Agnes earlier this year has been a great loss to the world of cave diving and to the spirit of adventure.
Recognising Agnes would be a poignant reminder that true discovery and exploration is not without risk, but the few women who do excel in the world of exploration should be recognised and admired." [Andrew Wight]
Thank You, Rest in Peace
Photo: Andrew Wight on the shooting for Sanctum at Mt.Gambier 2010.
"How the cave diving community is feeling..." - Bernadette Young interviews Andrew Wight on ABC Radio March 1, 2011, Brisbane, Australia.
November 19,
2011
Discovery: Ag’s Dreamtime Tunnel
One of the most exciting discoveries in the underwater caves of Australia in recent years has been named Ag’s Dreamtime Tunnel to honour Agnes Milowka inspiration to explore unknown worlds. The team of the divers explored already approximately 1500m of the new underwater passages. Plans are underway for a return trip to continue exploration and mapping of this new system. The team consisted of Paul Hosie, Alan Polini, Brian Kakuk, Ken Smith, Richard Harris and Grant Pearce, Craig Challen, supporting crew of Christie Allen, Jeff Gibson, Kim Halliday and Mark Brown.
New Cave Diving System Discovered on Roe Plains. Australia, 6-Oct-2011. More details to come soon...
First draft of the map:
October 29,
2011
Crimson Dark webcomic - Frigates are now to support the Milowka.
The Alliance Dreadnought starship has been named A.W.S. Milowka in memory of Agnes. Crimson Dark
- A Sci-Fi Webcomic book. Author: David C. Simon , 2011.
August 23,
2011
Agnes Milowka: In Memoriam Poetry
Agnes Milowka: In Memoriam
A pretty face,
A book of knowledge,
A wealth of stories to share.
Too many things to say,
With few too words to use.
Daring to go,
Where men won’t go,
But she would prove it so.
Laying line,
Into cave,
None have seen before.
That was the scene,
Of the young girl,
Who be the Agnes Milowka.
Who through some misadventure,
Tragically lost her life.
In a cave she dearly loved,
A cave that be now her home.
Tank the divers call it,
Massive in its size.
A true wonder of the caving world,
That many travel to dive.
Agnes won’t you come back,
And share a dive with me.
I never got to meet you,
And hear if the tales be true.
To hear your tales of diving,
Or your infectious vibe.
To swim through cave unchartered,
Surveying as we go.
But it be not so,
So I shall think of you.
When someday soon,
I follow your lead,
Into the inky blackness,
With a line upon my hand,
Surveying as I go.
Wherever you be,
I hope that you,
Be resting in your peace.
Laying line,
In newfound caves,
And diving with ol’ Sheck.
Rest In Peace
In Memoriam, Agnes Milowka, 23/12/81 - 27/02/11 The Dancing Diver Poetry, Author: Dion Anderon, on Saturday, July 23, 2011.
